DD’s dose of Real Life is a mini-heartbreak for her. Help!

[Anonymous]

DD21 has worked for a retailer for over 3 years, part time during school, full time summers, and more during COVID. She has found a job in her field, put in two weeks, and had expectations her employers would do something the day she left, which was today. She mentioned that usually one of those oversized cards secretly made rounds and cupcakes were brought out to the break room whenever someone left, and she, an introvert, was anxious for the moment she would have to receive the card. Well, nothing happened and she didn’t even get a goodbye from anyone before she left. She said it was like a normal day and is pretty upset.

She called briefly to tell me and is out with her boyfriend now. I don’t even know what to say when she gets home. As a grown adult, I’m like good riddance, but I want to be empathetic without treating her like a snowflake. Any ideas?

[Anonymous]

I work in a different field but we have had some departures during covid and the fanfare has been much less. Nobody want to eat together, everyone is too stressed and juggling to plan a party. Could that be it?

Otherwise, I think Good Riddance is a fine sentiment.

[Anonymous]

That really sucks. Unfortunately, someone probably forgot, and that led to a bunch of people not knowing and not remembering. With COVID and the election people are so distracted, and she got shortchanged because of it. Also, if her work is mainly PT and summers, she may just not be as "part of the team" as she feels -- I was in this situation myself as a part time working young adult.

It just sucks, but isn't personal. I bet when she doesn't show up again people will feel bad and she may receive something. But don't tell her that, because she also may not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD21 has worked for a retailer for over 3 years, part time during school, full time summers, and more during COVID. She has found a job in her field, put in two weeks, and had expectations her employers would do something the day she left, which was today. She mentioned that usually one of those oversized cards secretly made rounds and cupcakes were brought out to the break room whenever someone left, and she, an introvert, was anxious for the moment she would have to receive the card. Well, nothing happened and she didn’t even get a goodbye from anyone before she left. She said it was like a normal day and is pretty upset.

She called briefly to tell me and is out with her boyfriend now. I don’t even know what to say when she gets home. As a grown adult, I’m like good riddance, but I want to be empathetic without treating her like a snowflake. Any ideas?

Hahah very true.

Some people are just sensitive, so I can definitely see this being something that would hurt her feelings.

I'm unsure of whether the cards continued into COVID, but it could be that people are just operating under the "new normal" and tradition has gone by the wayside.

Realizing how self-absorbed most people truly are can be difficult, but the sooner she comes to accept that the better, as she can then set her expectations accordingly.

[Anonymous]

1. I think it's good she told you how she felt. Maybe in a little bit get her a giant card as a gag gift of that's you vibe with her.
2. I hope her boyfriend did something nice for her to celebrate her last day

[Anonymous]

Usually there is one person in the office who is thoughtful and takes it upon themselves to buy the card, circulate it with any request for gift donations and purchase a gift. That person is probably too overwhelmed and distracted this year to do it. Tell your DD this.

[Anonymous]

I don't see this as post worthy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't see this as post worthy

This isn’t for sure

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Usually there is one person in the office who is thoughtful and takes it upon themselves to buy the card, circulate it with any request for gift donations and purchase a gift. That person is probably too overwhelmed and distracted this year to do it. Tell your DD this.

She is probably that person...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Usually there is one person in the office who is thoughtful and takes it upon themselves to buy the card, circulate it with any request for gift donations and purchase a gift. That person is probably too overwhelmed and distracted this year to do it. Tell your DD this.

This. The person who usually handles these things might not even be there anymore. Also agree with PP who said the sooner she learns that most people are incredibly self absorbed, the better off she'll be.

[Anonymous]

That's unfortunate, OP, but unfortunately it is simply a stressful, overwhelming time.

[Anonymous]

I don’t understand what she was expecting them to do for her. Cupcakes? Really? For leaving a retail job?

[Anonymous]

Part of the covid distance. Unless someone close steps up, milestones are slipping past. My DD was sad not to have a drive-by birthday like see was seeing on social media, but her friend group is quiet and, with so much separation, just didn't do something like that.

It's still a bummer her employer didn't acknowledge the day though.

[Anonymous]

I’d chalk it up to Covid. Several people have left at my workplace and we haven’t had a chance to do the usual farewells for them: the standard cake, card and speech stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't see this as post worthy

Then why read and respond?